Ruthless Rory sacks his caddie after Royal McIlroy flop

Rory Mc Ilroy and JP Fitzgerald's partnership has resulted in four major titles over nine years

Juana Turner
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01 August, 2017, 22:54

McIlroy is set to address the issue when he speaks to media at Akron on Wednesday, the eve of the WGC-Bridgestone where he is in fact the sole Irish player in the field. McIlroy revealed that it was his fellow Irishman who snapped him out of his first round mire, telling him: "You're Rory McIlroy - what the f. are you doing?"

The 10-year partnership of Rory McIlroy and JP Fitzgerald is over after the Irishman sacked his caddie. "He reminded me who I was, basically".

"It is a odd one, although Rory's maybe looking at Quail Hollow and thinks he could probably win that one with me on his back", he said, finishing with a self-deprecating joke.

The pair were together for nine years, and experienced everything from four major championship victories and three Ryder Cup successes to a meltdown at the Masters and a major drought that has now lasted three seasons. The two have combined for four major championships and over 25 wins worldwide.

The surprise decision leaves the 28-year-old needing a new caddie for the Bridgestone Invitational, which starts on Thursday in OH, and the US PGA at Quail Hollow next week.

"JP did a great job", McIlroy said after recovering from five over after six to record a one-over round.

Forbes estimated that Fitzgerald earned about US$1.65 million (S$2.2m) from his cut of McIlroy's prize money over the 12 months to June.

It now looks like the British Open was Fitzgerald's swansong with McIlroy, who flirted with contention in the final round before finishing joint fourth. The Telegraph in the United Kingdom reported that his best friend, Harry Diamond will be on the bag this week.

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